Three Weeks Post-Op

Returning to Work

Betrayal.

Mr. K and I returned to work Monday from our company's two week holiday shutdown and as much as I hate to admit it, I am somewhat glad to be returning to a routine. I've been extremely exhausted every night this week, though, when we get home. And of course, our sweet Louie who's adjusting to crate training, is extremely energetic when we get home; thus, the reason this post is just now being written on Friday night (not to mention the fact that we've watched two seasons of Downton Abbey this week... ADDICTED).

Thyroid Cancer: Ain't Nobody Got Time for That
I went to my endocrinologist for the first time since surgery on Wednesday. This appointment was to go over everything from the pathology reports to the nitty gritty of my radiation treatments to life after thyroid cancer. Dr. Frieze is very thorough and in some ways that's awesome and in some ways it's terrifying. He tells everything that could possibly happen. Best case scenario and worst case... Now up until now, everything that he'd warned was "worst case" has been what's happened... SO I hope I've had the last of that and this radioactive iodine will be the end of my cancer story. I ain't got time for cancer, y'all!

Thyroid Cancer: Ain't Nobody
Got Time for That!

Everything I told in my post-op blog was still the truth, the cancer in the lymph nodes and everything. I'll begin the RAI treatment prep on February 18 with a shot, another shot the next day as well as a mini radioactive pill and full body scan. On the 20th of February I'll receive the RAI pill and head home where I'll be in isolation for 3 days. Following this, life should return to normal. Praying that the full body scan I have after treatment comes back perfect. If you're a friend or family member of mine and you're pregnant, younger than 15 or have kids under 15 or are elderly, then don't be offended but I'll be staying away from you for 2 weeks following my treatment. Seriously. I will be radioactive and could harm you. It's pretty intense. I'm beginning to stow away good reads and projects for my isolation time.

Moving Forward
As I mentioned before, this radioactive treatment means no pregnancy for Mr. K and I for 1 year following. And according to Dr. Frieze, our story won't end there. He told me pretty much as soon as I do get pregnant when the time comes that I tell 3 people in this order: 1) Kevin 2) Our parents 3) My endocrinologist. In addition to taking the Synthroid I'll probably be monitored for the rest of my life to make sure the cancer doesn't return. He said my prognosis is very good and that I'm considered low-risk when it comes to mortality (dying), but that I'm high-risk in terms of morbidity (cancer reoccuring). Good thing I got rid of my cheapo insurance this past summer after the blood clots!

Hopefully I'll have some more positive posts in the near future. And more importantly, I hope to have some more PROJECT oriented posts considering I'm the freaking Project Chick. :)

If you're reading this, thanks for supporting me through this tough time in my life. My mom is ordering bracelets and we are going to have a team in the Relay for Life this spring, comment and let me know if you'd be interested in playing with us that night!

In case you have no idea what I'm talking about when I say, "Ain't nobody got time for that," feast your eyes on this little gem.